Installation, startup and performance of a static var compensator for an electric arc furnace upgrade

This steel maker upgraded the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Melt Shop to increase production and improve metallurgical quality of their product. The increased electrical load and harmonic generation for the new furnace operation necessitated the installation of a 80 MVAR static var compensator (SVC) to meet utility interconnect requirements. This paper is a follow-up and companion to [1] that documented comprehensive analysis to specify the SVC. This paper describes the sequence of events during the installation, commissioning and operation of the SVC. It will assess the performance of the SVC compared to the electrical requirements of the utility for voltage regulation, flicker, harmonics and power factor. Power quality measurements during EAF operation without the SVC established a baseline to from which to show improvements provided by the SVC as well as compliance with the utility limits. Additionally, events encountered during the commissioning are shared as lessons learned.